One of Texas's oldest BBQ joints is closing permanently after 34 years
Is there anything that screams Texas more than BBQ? Okay, maybe Friday night lights and chicken fried steak but BBQ is certainly near the top of the list.
Barbecue is more than just a meal in Texas. It’s a cultural institution, a source of state pride, and a culinary tradition that unites communities across generations. Texans take their barbecue seriously, often debating the merits of brisket, ribs, and sausage with the same fervor others reserve for sports teams.
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Today, Texas barbecue spots range from humble roadside shacks to acclaimed craft establishments, drawing locals and tourists alike for a taste of slow-smoked perfection.
The lines outside legendary spots like Snow’s and Franklin Barbecue are a testament to the devotion Texans have for their smoked meat, with some fans lining up before dawn for a chance at the day’s best cuts. There are even four Texas BBQ restaurants with a Michelin Star.
But the competition is fierce, just like it is for all restaurants these days.
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Bodacious Bar-B-Q: a Texas staple is saying goodbye
After 34 years of serving up classic Central Texas-style barbecue in Arlington, Bodacious Bar-B-Q will close its doors this August, confirming rumors circulating among loyal patrons.
Owner Fran Ruegsegger announced the news in a heartfelt Facebook post, expressing gratitude for the generations of customers who have become “more like family and friends instead of just customers,” according to a report on Chron.
The Arlington location, which opened in 1991, is part of a broader legacy that began in 1965 when Dallas native Roland Lindsey founded the first Bodacious in Longview.
Related: Beloved local family diner closing after nearly 40 years
Over the decades, Bodacious expanded across North and East Texas, each location independently owned but united by a commitment to traditional fare: brisket, hot links, pork ribs, ranch-hand stew, and the beloved Bo-Pie, a concoction of Fritos topped with chopped brisket, beans and cheese.
Ruegsegger emphasized that the restaurant isn’t closed yet and encouraged customers to stop by before the final day, which is still to be determined.
“God never closes one door that He doesn’t have a better one to walk through, so we are excited for whatever opportunities God has ahead for us,” Ruegsegger wrote.
When Bodacious closes its doors it will mark the end of an era for one of Arlington’s most cherished barbecue joints.
Restaurant closures signal a changing industry
The closure of Bodacious Bar-B-Q in Arlington is not an isolated event, but part of a larger wave of restaurant shutdowns sweeping across Texas and the nation.
The restaurant industry has faced mounting challenges in recent years, from rising costs and shifting consumer preferences to increased competition and the lingering effects of economic headwinds.
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In 2025, nearly 40% of U.S. restaurants reported a sales decline, and the pace of closures among both family-owned eateries and major chains has accelerated.
Even iconic brands like Red Lobster, TGI Fridays, and Wendy’s have shuttered hundreds of locations, while others have filed for bankruptcy or downsized to adapt to new market realities.
The restaurant industry is experiencing a shift toward restaurants that can accommodate digital ordering and delivery and a lean staff.
Running a restaurant where someone has to be on site at the crack of dawn to get a fire going, a requirement for a place that cooks BBQ, is a tall order.
Bodacious BBQ in Arlington will close its doors in August so get in there and order up some of their signature brisket while you still can.
Related: Another iconic Las Vegas Strip restaurant closing permanently
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